July 22

I Corinthians 8

The whole discussion about food offered to idols is very foreign for us. The point that Paul is driving towards is that there is nothing wrong with eating meat offered to idols, the idols aren't real. However, if there are individuals who are weaker in the faith that believe it is wrong to eat this meat, then he will not eat the meat. He does not want to be the one that causes those weak in the faith to question their faith. He willingly gives up eating the meat for the good of another. We don't face the problem of eating meat, but we do face the same dilemma regarding other issues. For example, if you are out to dinner with a friend who is an alcoholic, do you order a drink? I would think not. The love of our neighbor calls us to set aside something we might enjoy for the good of the neighbor.